Passage Based Questions: International Organisations - 1 | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Q1: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945 as a successor to the League of Nations to prevent conflicts and promote global cooperation. The UN Charter was signed by 51 original member states, including India. The main objectives of the UN were to maintain international peace, promote human rights, and facilitate cooperation in solving global issues. Today, the UN has 193 member states and plays a crucial role in international relations.

i. Which year was the United Nations (UN) established? (1 mark)
(a) 1919
(b) 1939
(c) 1945
(d) 1950
ii. What were the key objectives behind the creation of the UN? (2 marks)
iii. Why was the UN more successful than the League of Nations? (1 mark)

Ans: 
i. (c) 1945
ii. 

• To prevent international conflicts and maintain global peace.
• To promote economic and social development through cooperation.

iii. The UN had a stronger framework and broader global participation.

Q2: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

The UN Security Council (UNSC) is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It has five permanent members (US, UK, France, Russia, and China) with veto power and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. The veto power allows any permanent member to block a resolution, making it a controversial issue in global governance.

i. Which of the following countries is NOT a permanent member of the UN Security Council? (1 mark)
(a) China
(b) Germany 
(c) Russia
(d) France
ii. What are the main functions of the UN Security Council? (2 marks)
iii. Why is the veto power considered controversial? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (b) Germany 
ii.

• To authorize peacekeeping missions in conflict zones.
• To impose sanctions and mediate in disputes between nations.

iii. It allows one country to block decisions, even if all other members agree.

Q3: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

India has been an active member of the UN since its foundation in 1945 and has contributed to UN peacekeeping missions. India advocates for Security Council reforms, arguing that the current structure does not reflect contemporary global realities. India seeks permanent membership based on its large population, economic power, and commitment to democracy. However, its inclusion is opposed by some countries, including Pakistan and China.

i. Why does India seek permanent membership in the UN Security Council? (1 mark)
(a) It is the world’s largest democracy.
(b) It has a strong and growing economy.
(c) It has contributed to UN peacekeeping efforts.
(d) All of the above 
ii. What are the main arguments in favor of India’s permanent membership in the Security Council? (2 marks)
iii. Why is India’s bid for permanent membership opposed? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (d) All of the above 
ii.

• India represents one-fifth of the world’s population and is a major global player.
• India has a long history of contributing to UN peacekeeping operations.

iii. Geopolitical tensions with neighboring countries like Pakistan and China.

Q4: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a global financial institution that monitors the international economy and provides financial assistance to member countries. The IMF has 190 member countries, but voting power is unequal, with the US, Japan, Germany, and China having the most influence. The IMF has been criticized for imposing strict economic policies on developing nations in exchange for financial aid.

i. Which international organization provides financial assistance to countries in economic crisis? (1 mark)
(a) World Health Organization (WHO)
(b) United Nations (UN)
(c) International Monetary Fund (IMF) 
(d) World Trade Organization (WTO)
ii. What are the major functions of the IMF? (2 marks)
iii. Why has the IMF been criticized? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (c) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
ii.

• It monitors global financial stability and provides loans to struggling economies.
• It advises countries on economic reforms and monetary policies.

iii. It often imposes strict conditions on countries receiving financial aid.

Q5: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

The UN faces challenges in addressing global issues such as climate change, terrorism, and human rights violations. While agencies like the WHO, UNHCR, and UNDP work on health, refugee crises, and development, political disagreements limit the effectiveness of the UN Security Council. Many countries argue that the UN needs reforms to address modern challenges more efficiently.

i. Which of the following is NOT a major global challenge addressed by the UN? (1 mark)
(a) Climate change
(b) International trade regulations
(c) Refugee crises
(d) Terrorism
ii. What are some of the biggest challenges faced by the UN today? (2 marks)
iii. How can the UN become more effective in dealing with global challenges? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (b) International trade regulations
ii.

• Political disagreements among member states, particularly in the Security Council.
• Global issues like climate change and human rights violations require greater cooperation.

iii. By reforming its decision-making process to reflect modern political realities.

Q6: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established in 1995 as a successor to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). It sets the rules for global trade and ensures that trade flows smoothly between nations. However, major economic powers like the US, EU, and Japan have been accused of using the WTO to advance their interests, often at the expense of developing nations. The decision-making process is unanimous, but developing countries argue that it lacks transparency and fairness.

i. Which international organization regulates global trade? (1 mark)
(a) United Nations (UN)
(b) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
(c) World Trade Organization (WTO)
(d) World Bank
ii. What are the primary functions of the WTO? (2 marks)
iii. Why do developing countries criticize the WTO? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (c) World Trade Organization (WTO)
ii. 

• It sets the rules for international trade and resolves disputes between countries.
• It promotes free trade and reduces tariffs on goods and services.

iii. They argue that wealthy nations dominate decision-making, making it unfair for smaller economies.

Q7: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

The United Nations (UN) has played a major role in protecting human rights worldwide. Organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch monitor human rights violations and advocate for justice. The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) investigates abuses by governments and groups and recommends action. However, many governments criticize human rights reports as biased or politically motivated.

i. Which UN agency is responsible for human rights protection? (1 mark)
(a) World Health Organization (WHO)
(b) UN Security Council
(c) UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) 
(d) International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
ii. How does the UN contribute to human rights protection? (2 marks)
iii. Why do some countries criticize human rights organizations? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (c) UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) 
ii.

• The UNHRC investigates human rights violations and holds governments accountable.
• Organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch document abuses.

iii. They claim that reports are biased and politically motivated.

Q8: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was established in 1957 to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and prevent nuclear weapons proliferation. IAEA teams inspect nuclear facilities worldwide to ensure they are not used for military purposes. The IAEA plays a crucial role in nuclear security and arms control, but its enforcement powers are limited, relying on member states' cooperation.

i. What is the main function of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)? (1 mark)
(a) Regulating global trade
(b) Monitoring nuclear energy and security
(c) Promoting economic development
(d) Providing financial aid to countries
ii. How does the IAEA ensure nuclear security? (2 marks)
iii. Why is the IAEA’s enforcement power limited? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (b) Monitoring nuclear energy and security
ii.

• It inspects nuclear facilities to verify compliance with international treaties.
• It advises countries on the safe use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

iii. It relies on cooperation from member states, as it cannot enforce rules by itself.

Q9: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

The UN Security Council (UNSC) has remained largely unchanged since 1945, despite shifts in global power. Many nations, including India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan, demand permanent membership to reflect contemporary political realities. However, existing permanent members (P5) oppose reforms, fearing loss of influence. Some proposals suggest increasing both permanent and non-permanent seats, but achieving consensus is difficult.

i. Which of the following countries is NOT seeking permanent membership in the UN Security Council? (1 mark)
(a) India
(b) Germany
(c) Brazil
(d) Canada 
ii. What are the key challenges in reforming the UN Security Council? (2 marks)
iii. Why is India demanding permanent membership in the UNSC? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (d) Canada 
ii. 

• Permanent members (P5) oppose reforms to maintain their power.
• Countries disagree on selection criteria for new permanent members.

iii. It is a major global power with a strong economy and large population.

Q10: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

After the Cold War, the United States emerged as the world’s only superpower. Many countries hoped that the UN could act as a check on US dominance, but the US holds significant influence over the UN. As the largest financial contributor and a permanent member of the Security Council, the US can block decisions it opposes. However, the UN still provides a platform for global dialogue, allowing countries to challenge US policies diplomatically.

i. How does the US influence the United Nations? (1 mark)
(a) It is the largest financial contributor.
(b) It has veto power in the Security Council.
(c) It has many US nationals in the UN bureaucracy.
(d) All of the above 
ii. Why is the UN unable to act as a strong check on US power? (2 marks)
iii. How does the UN still play a role in influencing US policies? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (d) All of the above 
ii. The US influences the United Nations in several key ways:

• The US holds the power to veto decisions in the Security Council, which allows it to block resolutions that it finds unfavourable.
• As the largest financial contributor, the US has significant leverage over UN policies.

iii. It provides a global platform for diplomatic discussions, where other countries can challenge US actions.